Alice's House

Rated NR2008

Shes a middle-aged Sao Paulo manicurist and her house is a mess: cheating taxi-driver husband, three good-for-nothing grown sons, and her slightly dotty mother, who listens to call-in horoscope radio all day. Add to this a former boyfriend making moves on her for his own amusement. In former documentary-maker Chico Teixeiras minutely observed kitchen-sink drama, we keep waiting for a ray or two of redemptive sunlight for poor Alice, and it does arrive, but at what a cost. Director/co-screenwriter Teixeira and actor Carla Ribas tell the truth about Alice, and it hurts so good. Filmed in S16mm blown up to 35mm (92 min., 2007).
ByKelly Vance